A voter casts their ballot in Tripoli during the municipal elections on May 11, 2025. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient Today)
Following Tripoli's turbulent municipal elections held on May 11, the newly elected council has also been plagued by chaos, including the resignation of half its 24 members two weeks ago — a move that could’ve triggered the dissolution of the council and sent the city’s registered voters back to the polls. However, on Tuesday, after an agreement mediated by the mufti of Tripoli and the North, Muhammad Imam, the 12 members reversed their decision. What are the implications of these developments, and what do they say about the balance of power in Lebanon’s second-largest city?Last month, unlike in other areas, the results of the municipal elections in Tripoli were not released for three days, amid a tense atmosphere and allegations of fraud that led to roadblocks in the city. The “Tripoli’s Vision” list, backed by MPs Ashraf Rifi and Abdel...
Following Tripoli's turbulent municipal elections held on May 11, the newly elected council has also been plagued by chaos, including the resignation of half its 24 members two weeks ago — a move that could’ve triggered the dissolution of the council and sent the city’s registered voters back to the polls. However, on Tuesday, after an agreement mediated by the mufti of Tripoli and the North, Muhammad Imam, the 12 members reversed their decision. What are the implications of these developments, and what do they say about the balance of power in Lebanon’s second-largest city?Last month, unlike in other areas, the results of the municipal elections in Tripoli were not released for three days, amid a tense atmosphere and allegations of fraud that led to roadblocks in the city. The “Tripoli’s Vision” list, backed by MPs Ashraf...